I think this tutorial is very helpful as I love to take portraits in a softer focus because for the most part, it is flattering to everyone.

I know that this is an older thread and with the addition of Portrait Professional, softening portraits and imperfections has become a lot easier with this type of software. However, the one thing still remains in DPC. Peeps in here LOVE the "harsh look" in portraits for the most part. LOL That's what I'm finding whenever I enter a portrait with a softer look/focus. It seem now that the more pores, wrinkles and imperfections (except for fashion models, which seems to be the exception to this scenario) are all emphasized it seems. I'm not sure why that is though...unless, of course the person has an interesting character to their faces and the lines and pores tell the story/history behind the person themselves.

I entered a self-portrait not too long ago and took flack for there not being "enough detail" in my face. LOL Sorry, but I wasn't going to emphasize my fine lines, wrinkles and pores for NO ONE! Digital photography can be harsh in and of itself already LOL!

The soft focus (or Hollywood filter look as Jutilda mentioned in the comments) in this pic

was created in PS by duplicating the background layer, inverting, Adding a Filter/distort/diffuse glow (grain 1, Glow 7, clear 10). Invert layer again back to positive, erase the eyes and reduce opacity of soft layer to 75% ish

You'd serve a larger, less sexist audience if you simply stated "When doing portraits . . . " instead of focusing solely on women. Men, teens, even babies, have blemishes and such that they may not want in strict sharp focus. [/quote]

You'd serve a larger, less sexist audience if you simply stated "When doing portraits . . . " instead of focusing solely on women. Men, teens, even babies, have blemishes and such that they may not want in strict sharp focus.